Did you know that flat tires are responsible for about 220,000 roadside assistance calls each year in the US? That’s a lot of time spent waiting for help, right?
Well, here’s some good news: there’s a way you can fix a flat yourself in just a matter of minutes!
Fix-A-Flat Vs Slime
Both products offer fast-acting solutions for flat tires, but Fix-A-Flat comes in a pressurized can for easier use, while Slime Thru-Core requires an air compressor.
In this article, we’re going to compare two popular tire sealants, Fix-A-Flat and Slime Tire Sealant. It’s essential to know the differences between these products because they might just save you from a frustrating roadside experience.
Let’s take a closer look.
Comparing Fix-A-Flat and Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant
Okay, now that we know how Fix-A-Flat and Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant work, let’s compare them to see which one might be best for you. We’ll look at some important factors like how fast they work, how long they last, and how easy they are to use.
Fix-A-Flat and Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant are very similar in terms of speed, shelf life, and how they interact with your tire sensors.
Feature | Fix-A-Flat | Tire Slime |
| Shelf Life | 2-Years | 2-Years |
| How Fast Does It Work? | Within Seconds | Within Seconds |
| How Can It Stay In Your Tire? | 3 days or 100 miles | 3 days or 100 miles |
| How Can It Stay In Your Tire? | 3 days or 100 miles | 3 days or 100 miles |
| Does It Ruin Tires? | No Although it must be removed from the tire within 3 days. | No Although it must be removed from the tire within 3 days. |
| Is It Safe For Tire Sensors? | Yes | Yes |
| How Large Of A Hole Can It Seal? | 1/4″ | 1/4″ |
The main difference is that Fix-A-Flat comes in a pressurized can and doesn’t require an air compressor, while Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant does.
You’ll need to decide which product works best for you based on your preferences and what tools you have available in case of a flat tire.
Fix-A-Flat Tire Sealant
Fix-A-Flat comes in a pressurized can, which means it’s super easy to use when you’re in a hurry. When you get a flat tire, all you have to do is attach the can’s hose to your tire’s valve stem and press the button. The Fix-A-Flat goo inside the can will rush into your tire and fill the puncture, while also adding air to inflate the tire. This happens in just a few seconds, and voila! Your flat tire is fixed, at least temporarily, so you can get back on the road.
Fix-A-Flat Aerosol Emergency Flat Tire Repair and Inflator
Fix-A-Flat Advantages
- Super easy to use: Just connect the hose to your tire valve and press the button!
- Fast-acting: Fixes your flat tire within seconds.
- No air compressor needed: The pressurized can inflates your tire as it seals.
Fix-A-Flat Disadvantages
- Temporary fix: You’ll need to get your tire repaired or replaced within 3 days or 100 miles.
- Not great for large punctures: Only works on holes up to 1/4″ in size.
Using Fix-A-Flat:
- Find the puncture: Before you start, make sure you know where the hole is in your tire. If you can’t find it, try listening for air escaping or looking for a nail or screw.
- Shake the can: Give your Fix-A-Flat can a good shake for about 30 seconds to mix up the contents inside.
- Attach the hose: Unscrew the cap on the can and attach the hose to your tire’s valve stem. Make sure it’s on there snug so you don’t lose any precious goo!
- Press the button: Hold the can upright and press the button to release the Fix-A-Flat into your tire. It’ll inflate your tire and seal the puncture at the same time.
- Drive a bit: After using Fix-A-Flat, drive your car for a short distance to help the sealant spread evenly inside your tire.
- Check the pressure: Once you’ve driven a bit, stop and check your tire pressure to make sure it’s where it needs to be.
Slime Tire Sealant
Now let’s discuss Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant. This one works a bit differently. It’s a liquid that you pour into your tire when you have a flat. Once it’s in there, it’ll find the puncture and seal it up. But remember, this sealant doesn’t come in a pressurized can like Fix-A-Flat, so you’ll need an air compressor to inflate your tire after you’ve added the sealant. Once your tire is inflated, the sealant will spread evenly inside and fix the puncture.
Slime Flat Tire Emergency Kit, Includes Sealant and Tire Inflator Pump
Slime Advantages
- Quick solution: Seals and inflates your tire in a flash.
- Safe for tire sensors: Won’t harm your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Slime Disadvantages
- Air compressor required: You’ll need one to inflate your tire after using the sealant.
- Temporary solution: Like Fix-A-Flat, you’ll need to get your tire checked by a professional soon.
Using Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant:
- Find the puncture: Just like with Fix-A-Flat, you’ll want to locate the hole in your tire before you start.
- Remove the valve cap: Unscrew the valve cap from your tire’s valve stem and set it aside.
- Attach the hose: Connect the Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant hose to your tire’s valve stem.
- Pour the sealant: Squeeze the bottle to pour the sealant into your tire. Make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle for the right amount to use.
- Disconnect the hose: Carefully remove the hose from your tire’s valve stem.
- Inflate your tire: Grab your air compressor and inflate your tire to the recommended pressure. If you don’t have an air compressor, you might need to find a gas station or ask a friend for help.
- Drive a bit: Just like with Fix-A-Flat, drive your car for a short distance to help the sealant spread evenly inside your tire.
Different Kinds of Slime Tire Sealants
Slime has two main types of sealants to help you deal with flat tires. They’re called Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant and Slime Preventative Tire Sealant. Each one has its own special way of helping you out when you’re in a tight spot with a flat tire.
First up is Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant. This one is designed to be used in emergency situations when you suddenly get a flat tire. It works kind of like Fix-A-Flat, but there’s a catch. To use this sealant, you’ll also need an air compressor to pump your tire back up. It doesn’t come in a pressurized can like Fix-A-Flat does. But don’t worry, it’s still super helpful for fixing flat tires in a pinch.
Next, we have Slime Preventative Tire Sealant. This one is all about stopping flat tires before they even happen. You put it into your tires ahead of time, and it helps protect them from getting punctures. If your tire does get a small puncture, the sealant will quickly fill the hole and keep your tire inflated.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, folks! We’ve covered the ins and outs of Fix-A-Flat and Slime Thru-Core Emergency Tire Sealant.
Remember, both of these tire sealants can be real lifesavers when you’re stuck with a flat tire. But, it’s essential to choose the one that works best for you. Fix-A-Flat comes in a handy pressurized can, while Slime Thru-Core needs an air compressor.
Like they say, “a stitch in time saves nine.” So, pick the right sealant and be prepared for any flat tire surprises on the road.
Good luck and happy motoring.
